VST plug-ins and effects apps
Multi-effects software for guitar and bass
On our website, we usually report on hardware multi-effects devices for guitar and bass. However, for some years now, there have also been some very useful software solutions that can be used to simulate amplifiers and guitar effects. This software is available as standalone programmes and as plug-ins for common digital audio workstations (DAWs). Often, the programmes can do both. In this guide, we will introduce you to some popular free and paid-for products in this area.
Why use guitar effects software?
As a guitarist, you may be wondering why you should consider software for guitar effects when there are already many reliable multi-effects devices and floor pedals available. However, there are good reasons to opt for a software solution:
Flexibility: although many multi-effects units can be updated with new features, These updates are not necessarily regular, and the basic scope is dictated by the hardware used. Software does not have this problem. Not only is the number of amp simulations and effects available with software enormous, but the setting options are generally much more extensive than with hardware solutions too. As plug-in interfaces are standardised, plug-ins from different manufacturers can be used together.
Price: Most of the apps and plug-ins presented in this article cost less than 200 euros, with many costing significantly less — some are even free. You can also get a decent multi-effects unit for less than 200 euros, of course. However, inexpensive multi-effects units often can't compete with the sound engine quality of the major software providers.
Home studio in decent quality: If you want to record music at home, using a microphone for your physical amplifier is not really an option. A better option is to play an undistorted signal directly into your DAW and then apply professional effects. Many of the plug-ins presented here have been designed for precisely this type of application.
The setup in a suitcase: Some musicians want to avoid the logistical nightmare of transporting all their devices and equipment to every gig. With some pro effects software bundles, all you need is your guitar and a laptop or iPad to take your sound with you wherever you go.
However, we should mention that even when using multi-effects software for the guitar, you still need hardware. In theory, you could connect your guitar directly to your PC's sound card using a 6.3 mm to 3.5 mm jack adapter. However, you won't be happy with the result. The inputs of most sound cards are designed for different frequency ranges. In order to use software solutions, you also need to purchase an audio interface.
Most audio interfaces simply connect to a PC or Mac via USB and usually offer at least one high-impedance instrument input to which you can connect your guitar or bass directly. Useful USB audio interfaces are available for around €100. Popular models include the Scarlett Solo* from Focusrite for computers, and the iRig HD 2* or iRig Pro I/O* from IK Multimedia for iPads.
A tip from us: If you already own a multi-effects device for your guitar, check the manual to see if the USB interface can also be used as an audio interface. If so, you can use your multi-effects device as an interface and won't need to purchase a separate one.
Multi-effects software for a fee
In this section, we present what we consider to be the best and most popular VST effects plug-ins and amp simulation apps that require payment. Further down in this article, we also present a few good free alternatives.
Native Instruments Guitar Rig 6 Pro
Most musicians who have ever worked with instrument plug-ins for DAWs will be familiar with the Berlin-based company Native Instruments. It has also been offering Guitar Rig for guitarists for over 15 years. Version 6 offers a wide range of amp simulations and effects. Guitar Rig 6 Pro is essentially an all-in-one solution offering something for everyone. As you would expect from Native Instruments, the sound quality is outstanding.
This Windows and Mac software simulates a total of 21 different amplifiers, over 25 matching cabinets based on impulse response technology, 15 distortion effects, twelve modulation effects, eleven reverb and six delay effects, as well as effects such as bitcrusher, chorus and phaser. With the help of so-called containers, several effects can be combined into multi-effect packages, which makes management much more convenient. Almost all of the amplifiers and effects in Guitar Rig 6 are modelled on well-known physical devices from brands such as Marshall, Vox and Boss, even if they have different names in the UI.
Guitar Rig 6 Pro currently costs €199 as a new purchase and €99 as an update from the previous version. Guitar Rig is also included in Native Instruments' complete "Komplete"* package, which costs between €549 and €1,600 depending on the edition. "Guitar Rig 6 Pro" can be used as a standalone application or as a plug-in in AU, AAX and VST formats for 64-bit Windows and Mac systems.
Positive Grid BIAS FX 2
At a price of 99 euros, BIAS FX 2* from Positive Grid is significantly cheaper than Guitar Rig 6 Pro. In terms of sound quality, it is on a par with Guitar Rig 6 Pro and, with 60 amplifiers and 100 effect pedals, has an even larger range of simulations. Like the other multi-effects programmes presented here, BIAS FX 2 simulates numerous well-known amplifier models. This can be recognised by the appearance of the UI, but not necessarily by their names. With 120 ready-made presets, the app encourages experimentation with different styles.
BIAS FX 2 is available for Windows and Mac as a standalone programme and as a plug-in in AU, AAX, VST2 and VST3 formats. A special feature is that iPad users are not excluded. The app is available for iPadOS and iOS from operating system version 11.
IK Multimedia AmpliTube 5
AmpliTube is also available for Windows and Mac, as well as in a slimmed-down version for iPad. IK Multimedia is particularly well known in the Apple ecosystem for its range of USB audio interfaces for iPad and iPhone. AmpliTube 5 simulates over 400 well-known amplifiers and effects units for guitar and bass, placing it in the category of all-round carefree solutions such as BIAS FX 2 and Guitar Rig 6 Pro. In terms of sound quality, BIAS FX 2 and Guitar Rig are slightly better in our opinion, but that is of course also a matter of taste.
AmpliTube 5* is available for desktop computers in four different editions, ranging in price from free to €399.
Line 6 Helix Native
We have presented Line 6's multi-effects devices several times on our website. With Helix Native, however, you can also access the same great sound engine found in Helix devices in software form. Helix Native runs on Windows and Mac systems and is available in AU, AAX and VST interface formats. The software simulates over 300 amplifiers, cabinets, microphones and effects.
In terms of sound quality, Helix Native is definitely one of the best products on the market. However, Line 6 charges a high price for this. It costs around 400 US dollars. A free 15-day trial version can be downloaded from the official website.
Other paid apps and plug-ins
Neural DSP is particularly appealing to fans of sophisticated metal sounds who don't need a comprehensive package. The company offers a selection of so-called "Archtetype" plug-ins that simulate the sound of bands and musicians such as Gojira, Tim Henson and Plini. Bassists will be interested in the Darkglass Ultra plug-in, which simulates vintage and B7K Ultra bass amplifiers. All plug-ins cost around 100 euros and are impressive in terms of their sound quality.
The "Bluecat Audio Destructor" is a versatile plug-in for creating distorted amplifier sounds. Priced at 79 euros, it is available for Windows and Mac as AU, AAX and VST.
Free apps and plug-ins
The following apps and plug-ins are free. However, this does not mean that they sound bad — on the contrary, many of them are simply more basic versions of paid professional programmes.
Ignite Amps Emissary offers good-quality amp simulation and includes six IR files for cabinets. The plugin bundle from STL Tones runs on Windows and Mac and is available in AU, AAX and VST formats.
Voxengo Boogex is a versatile amplifier plug-in for Mac and Windows. It boasts an impressive 61 cabinet IR files — quite an achievement for free software! The plugin is available in AU, AAX and VST formats.
Conclusion
There is now a wide range of useful amp and effect simulations for guitarists, in the form of both DAW plug-ins and standalone apps. Bassists aren't left out either, although the selection available to them is somewhat smaller. Most programmes and plug-ins run on Windows and Mac; some even run on iPads and iPhones. Free plug-ins are sometimes good for more than just sampling before buying a professional bundle.
